Applicator for applying a cosmetic, makeup or care product to the eyelashes and/or eyebrows

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to an applicator for applying a cosmetic, makeup or care product to the eyelashes and/or eyebrows, having an application member comprising a core that extends along a longitudinal axis, and spikes that are carried by the core and are arranged in groups of spikes within longitudinal rows, in which applicator the groups of spikes are preferably uniformly spaced along the longitudinal rows and each comprise at least two spikes, at least one longitudinal row of spikes being axially offset with respect to the consecutive longitudinal row, in such a way that at least one group of spikes of the offset row occupies the same axial position as a space free of spikes between two groups of spikes of the consecutive row.

The present invention relates to an applicator for applying a cosmetic,makeup or care product to the eyelashes and/or eyebrows, for examplemascara. The invention also relates to devices comprising the applicatorand to a container containing the product to be applied.

The container is conventionally provided with a wiping member whichwipes the stem of the applicator as it is withdrawn from the container.The behaviour of the application member on passing through the wipingmember depends on numerous factors, such as the shape and nature of thelip of the wiping member and the arrangement of the application elementson the application member.

A compromise has to be found with regard to the quantity of productwhich is left on the application member for application of makeup.Excessive wiping of the application member causes the latter to beinsufficiently loaded and obliges the user to frequently dip theapplicator back into the container. Insufficient wiping leaves an excessof product that is difficult to manage and could result in clumps ofproduct on poorly separated eyelashes.

EP 1 070 465 and. EP 1 070 466 disclose combs having a row of teethdisposed in staggered rows, which are partially or entirely superposed.

EP 2 084 987 discloses a brush comprising rows of spikes disposedbetween rows of teeth of flattened cross section, the spikes alternatinglongitudinally with the teeth.

Design patent US D708 855 describes an applicator comprising axiallyoffset longitudinal rows of groups of spikes.

There is a need to further improve applicators for applying a product,in particular mascara, to the eyelashes and/or eyebrows, in order toimprove the performance thereof, and more particularly to promote thecreation on the application member of zones that are more heavily ladenwith product, which allow easy application of makeup and rapid andabundant loading of the eyelashes and/or eyebrows, while retaining asatisfactory capacity to separate the latter.

The invention aims to meet this objective and the subject thereof,according to one of its aspects, is an applicator for applying acosmetic, makeup or care product to the eyelashes and/or eyebrows,having an application member comprising:

-   -   a core that extends along a longitudinal axis, and    -   spikes that are carried by the core and are arranged in groups        of spikes within longitudinal rows,        in which applicator the groups of spikes are preferably        uniformly spaced along the longitudinal rows and each comprise        at least two spikes,        at least one longitudinal row of spikes being axially offset        with respect to the consecutive longitudinal row, in such a way        that at least one group of spikes of the offset row occupies the        same axial position as a space free of spikes between two groups        of spikes of the consecutive row.

The invention makes it possible to obtain, on the application member, inparticular in the spaces free of spikes, at least one zone that forms areservoir, the contents of said zone not being much emptied during theextraction of the applicator, thus providing a surplus of product alongthe entire length of the core and on all sides after wiping. Thissurplus of product allows the eyelashes and/or eyebrows to be loadedwith a large and satisfactory amount of product from the firstapplication.

The applicator according to the invention makes it possible to separatethe eyelashes and/or eyebrows, avoiding the formation of clumps, byvirtue of the axial offset between the longitudinal rows of spikes.

During manufacture, it is possible to play with the spacing between thespikes of the groups of spikes on the one hand and with the spacingbetween the groups of spikes on the other hand and also with the axialoffset between the longitudinal rows of spikes in order to adjust theextent to which the applicator is charged with product after wiping.

The expression “longitudinal axis of the core” denotes the lineconnecting all of the centres of mass of the cross sections of the core.The longitudinal axis may be a central axis, or even an axis of symmetryfor the core, in particular when the core has a circular cross sectionor a cross section in the overall shape of a regular polygon. Thelongitudinal axis of the core may be rectilinear or curved and may becontained in a plane, which may be a plane of symmetry for some or evenfor all of the cross sections of the core. Preferably, the longitudinalaxis of the core is rectilinear.

The term “spike” denotes an individualizable projecting element intendedto come into engagement with the eyelashes and/or eyebrows.

The expression “axially offset longitudinal rows” should be understoodas meaning that the spikes of the same rank in these rows do not occupythe same position along the longitudinal axis of the core.

Core and Spikes

Each longitudinal row of spikes is preferably offset axially withrespect to the consecutive longitudinal row.

Each group of spikes of at least one row preferably occupies the sameaxial position as the space free of spikes between two groups of spikesof the consecutive row, better still each group of spikes of the coreoccupies the same axial position as a space free of spikes between twogroups of spikes of the consecutive rows.

The spikes of the same rank in every other longitudinal row can alloccupy the same axial position along the longitudinal axis of the core.

The spacing between the consecutive groups of spikes is preferablyconstant within at least one longitudinal row, better still within eachlongitudinal row. In one variant, the spacing between the consecutivegroups of spikes is variable within at least one longitudinal row and/orfrom one row to the other.

Within a longitudinal row, the spacing between two consecutive groups ofspikes, measured at the base of the core between the outer flanks of thelast spike of the first group and the first spike of the second groupalong the axis of the row containing the groups, can be between 0.3 mmand 2.5 mm, better still between 0.45 mm and 1.5 mm.

The axial offset between one longitudinal row of spikes and theconsecutive longitudinal row can be greater than or equal to the lengthof a group of spikes of said consecutive row. The “length of a group ofspikes” is to be understood as meaning the sum of the width of thespikes of the group and the spacing between said spikes. Preferably, thespikes are not superposed when the application member is observed fromthe side in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of thecore.

The transversal distance between two consecutive groups of spikesoccupying the same axial position, having a space free of spikes betweenthem, measured at the base of the core between the outer flanks of thelast spike of the first group and the first spike of the second groupperpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the core, can be greaterthan or equal to the length of one of said groups of spikes.

The spacing between the spikes of a group is preferably the same for allthe groups. In one variant, the spacing between the spikes of a groupdiffers from one group of spikes to another, within one longitudinal rowand/or from one longitudinal row to another.

This spacing, measured along the longitudinal axis of the row containingthe group, between the bases of the spikes, can be between 0.05 mm and2.5 mm, better still between 0.4 mm and 1.3 mm.

All the groups of spikes advantageously comprise the same number ofspikes. In one variant, the number of spikes differs from one group ofspikes to another, within one longitudinal row and/or from onelongitudinal row to another.

The groups of spikes can comprise two or more than two spikes, forexample three spikes or four spikes.

The number of spikes per longitudinal row can be between 10 and 48.

The implantation of the spikes may be such that the angular offset αabout the longitudinal axis of the core, between the spikes of twoconsecutive crowns of spikes, in particular every two crowns of spikes,is non-zero, being preferably equal to half the angular pitch β betweentwo consecutive spikes in one and the same crown. The coreadvantageously has an alternating sequence of two consecutive crowns ofspikes that are not mutually offset, then two consecutive crowns ofspikes that are offset with respect to the two first crowns that are notmutually offset. A “crown of spikes” is to be understood as meaning arow in the circumferential direction formed by spikes that occupy oneand the same axial position on the longitudinal axis of the core.

At least one longitudinal row can comprise an isolated spike at theproximal end of the core, better still every other longitudinal rowcomprises such a spike. A single crown of spikes is thus advantageouslypresent at the proximal end of the core.

Within at least one group, the spikes are advantageously of the sameheight, better still within each group. In one variant, the height ofthe spikes varies within the same group.

Preferably, the height of the spikes varies, for example in a monotonousmanner, along the longitudinal axis of the core. Within a longitudinalrow, the height of the spikes preferably decreases in the direction ofthe distal end of the core, in particular along at least half thevisible length of the application member. In one variant, the height ofthe spikes is constant along the longitudinal axis of the core.

The height of the spikes can be between 0.15 mm and 4.5 mm, better stillbetween 0.3 mm and 3 mm. The “height of a spike” denotes the distancemeasured along the elongation axis of the spike between its free end andthe base of the spike by way of which the latter is connected to thecore. The “elongation axis of the spike” denotes an axis which passesthrough the centres of mass of the cross sections of the spike.

The spikes can have a width of between 0.1 mm and 1 mm, better stillbetween 0.35 mm and 0.65 mm. The “width of a spike” denotes the greatesttransverse dimension of the spike, in section, along the longitudinalaxis of the core.

The spikes can have a thickness of between 0.1 mm and 0.85 mm, betterstill between 0.3 mm and 0.75 mm. The “thickness of a spike” denotes thegreatest transverse dimension of the spike, in section, perpendicularlyto the elongation axis of the spike and to the longitudinal axis of thecore.

The spikes of at least one group are advantageously of the same shape,better still all the spikes of a longitudinal row are of the same shape,or even better still all the spikes of the application member are of thesame shape. In one variant, the shape of the spikes differs withingroups and/or from one group to another.

The spikes may have any shape. The spikes advantageously have anasymmetric semi-conical shape, having a first face that has a firstshape, in particular a plane shape, and a second face that has a secondshape, for example a non-plane shape, in particular a rounded shape. Inthis case, all the plane faces are preferably' orientedcircumferentially in the same direction. In one variant, the spikes havea cylindrical or tapered shape, in particular a conical, frustoconicalor pyramidal shape, in particular with a hexagonal base.

The cross section of the spikes is advantageously semicircular (orhalf-moon shaped). In one variant, the cross section of the spikes issubstantially circular, elliptic or semi-elliptic, or it may also be forexample polygonal, in particular hexagonal.

The spikes can each extend from the core along an elongation axisperpendicular to the surface of the core at the point at which thespikes are attached to the core. In a variant, the elongation axis ofthe spikes forms an angle other than 90° with the surface of the core atthe point at which the spikes are attached to the core.

The free ends of the spikes of the application member define an envelopesurface of the applicator member, which is for example in the form of acylinder of revolution along at least a part of its length.

The envelope surface may have a greatest transverse dimension that issubstantially constant along at least a part of the length of theapplication member, in particular along more than half the part of thecore that carries the spikes.

The envelope surface may also have a cross section that varies along allor part of the length of the application member. The cross section ofthe envelope surface may for example have one or more extremes and forexample at least one local minimum and two local maxima. The diameter ofthe envelope surface passing through the summit of the spikes of leastheight can be between 3 mm and 6.5 mm. The diameter of the envelopesurface of the application member passing through the summit of thespikes of greatest height can be between 5 mm and 12 mm.

The spikes can terminate in a rounded free end, in particular in ahemisphere, of which the radius can be between 0.01 mm and 0.2 mm

The longitudinal rows of spikes are advantageously rectilinear.

The number of longitudinal rows may be even. There can be at least eightlongitudinal rows of spikes, in particular between twelve and thirty-sixrows, in particular sixteen rows.

The core may have a cross section, taken perpendicularly to itslongitudinal axis, of any shape, in particular of a circular shape. Thegreatest cross section of the core, namely its diameter in the casewhere the cross section of the core has a circular shape, can be between1.5 mm and 3.2 mm.

The core and the spikes can be moulded from one and the same material,or in a variant they can be made from at least two different materials.In implementation examples of the invention, the spikes are produced byovermoulding on the core.

The core and/or the spikes are preferably produced from a thermoplasticmaterial.

Applicator

The applicator may have a stem that carries the application member at afirst end and is fixed to a gripping member at a second end.

The core may be solid, being for example moulded with an end piece forfixing to the stem of the applicator. In one variant, the core ishollow.

The application member may be fixed to the stem by snap-fastening,adhesive bonding, welding, crimping, pressing, stapling, force-fitting,fitting in a cold state or fitting in a hot state, for example by anendpiece of the application member being mounted in a housing in thestem. In a variant, the stem is received in a housing provided in thecore.

It is also possible for the stem and the application member to bemoulded or not to be moulded in one piece and from the samethermoplastic material.

The spikes may be made of a material that is more or less rigid than amaterial used to produce the stem of the applicator to which the core isattached.

The core may extend along a longitudinal axis which, at at least onepoint along its length, forms a non-zero angle with the longitudinalaxis of the stem to which the core is fixed. The application member maybe angled at its attachment to the stem.

The stem may have a first, rigid portion that is extended on the distalside by a second, more flexible portion, for example made of elastomer,that carries the application member.

The visible length of the application member may be between 15 mm and 35mm, better still between 22 mm and 29 mm.

The applicator can have a total of between 80 and 1296 spikes, betterstill between 96 and 864 spikes.

Application Device

A further subject of the invention is a device for packaging andapplying a product to the eyelashes and/or eyebrows, having anapplicator according to the invention, as defined above, and a containercontaining the product to be applied.

The gripping member of the applicator may form a cap for closing thecontainer.

The container may have a wiping member suitable for wiping the stem andthe application member.

The product is preferably a mascara.

The invention may be better understood from reading the followingdetailed description of a non-limiting implementation example thereof,and with reference to the attached drawing, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic elevation view, in partial longitudinal section,of an exemplary packaging and application device produced in accordancewith the invention,

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the application member from FIG. 1 onits own,

FIG. 2A shows a detail of the application member from FIG. 2,

FIG. 3 is a section along of a detail of the application member fromFIG. 2,

FIG. 4 is a flat developed view illustrating the arrangement of some ofthe spikes on the surface of the core of an application member accordingto the invention, and

FIG. 5 is a section along VI-VI of the application member from FIG. 2.

FIG. 1 shows a packaging and application device 1 produced in accordancewith the invention, having an applicator 2 and an associated container 3containing a product P to be applied to the eyelashes and/or eyebrows,for example mascara or a care product.

The container 3 has, in the example in question, a threaded neck 4 andthe applicator 2 has a closure cap 5 designed to be fixed on the neck 4so as to close the container 3 in a sealed manner when it is not in use,the closure cap 5 also forming a gripping member for the applicator 2.

The latter has a stem 7 of longitudinal axis Y, which is attached at itsupper end to the closure cap 5 and at its lower end to an applicationmember 8. The latter comprises a core 10 carrying spikes 18 which extendfrom the core 10 and all about the latter. As will be seen in FIG. 2,the first spike 18 along the longitudinal axis X of the core 10,starting from the stein 7, is arranged at a non-zero distance d_(t) fromthe proximal end 11 of the core. The last spike 18 along thelongitudinal axis X of the core 10, starting from the stem 7, isarranged at a non-zero distance d_(d) from the distal end 12 of the core10.

The container 3 also has a wiping member 6, inserted into the neck 4.

This wiping member 6, which may be of any suitable type, has, in theexample in question, a lip designed to wipe the stem 7 and theapplication member 8 when the applicator 2 is withdrawn from thecontainer 3. The lip defines a wiping orifice 6 a having a diameterφ_(a) adapted to that of the stem 7. The wiping member 6 may be made ofelastomer. The wiping orifice 6 a has, for example, a circular shape.

The diameter φ_(a) of the wiping orifice 6 a is typically between 3 and5.75 mm.

In the example illustrated, the stem 7 has a circular cross section, butif the stem 7 has some other section, this does not depart from thescope of the present invention, it then being possible to fix the cap 5on the container 3 in some other way than by screwing, if necessary. Thewiping member 6 is adapted to the shape of the stem 7 and to that of theapplication member 8, if appropriate.

Preferably, and as in the example in question, the longitudinal axis Yof the stem 7 is rectilinear and coincident with the longitudinal axisof the container 3 when the applicator 2 is in place thereon, but if thestem 7 is not rectilinear, forming for example an elbow, this does notdepart from the scope of the present invention.

If need be, the stem 7 may have an annular narrowing at its portion thatis positioned opposite the lip of the wiping member 6, so as not tomechanically stress the latter unduly during storage.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the application member 8 may have an endpiece9 for fixing it in a corresponding housing of the stem 7.

The application member 8 may be fixed to the stem 7 by any means, and inparticular by force-fitting, snap-fastening, adhesive bonding, welding,stapling or crimping, in this housing.

With reference to FIG. 2, it can be seen that the core 10 has a shapethat is elongate along a longitudinal axis X, which is rectilinear inthe example described. The longitudinal axis X may be central, asillustrated.

The visible length H of the application member 8 is, for example, equalto 25.5 mm.

In the example illustrated, the spikes 18 each extend from the core 10along an elongation axis W perpendicular to the surface of the core atthe point at which the spike 18 is attached to the core 10.

In the example described, the spikes 18 are arranged in groups of spikes15, 16 within sixteen rectilinear longitudinal rows 17, 19, 20, as canbe seen in particular in FIG. 2, each longitudinal row 17 of spikesbeing offset axially with respect to the consecutive longitudinal rows19, 20.

Preferably, as illustrated, the groups of spikes 15, 16 are uniformlyspaced along the longitudinal rows 17, 19, 20 and each comprise twospikes 18. In a variant not illustrated, the groups of spikes 15, 16comprise more than two spikes 18, for example three or four spikes. Inanother variant, the number of spikes 18 differs from one group ofspikes 15 to another, within one longitudinal row 17, 19, 20 and/or fromone longitudinal row to another.

Preferably, and as in the example described, the spacing S_(p) betweenthe spikes 18 of a group 15, 16 is the same for each group. In a variantnot illustrated, the spacing S_(p) between the spikes 18 of a group 15,16 differs from one group of spikes to another, within one longitudinalrow 17, 19, 20 and/or from one longitudinal row to another.

This spacing S_(p) can be between 0.05 mm and 2.5 mm.

In the example in question, the spacing S_(g) between each consecutivegroup of spikes 15, 16 is advantageously constant within eachlongitudinal row 17, 19, 20. In a variant not illustrated, the spacingS_(g) is variable within at least one longitudinal row and/or from onerow to the other.

As is shown in FIG. 4, the spacing S_(g) between two consecutive groupsof spikes 15, 16, measured at the base of the core 10 between the outerflanks 18 a of the last spike of the first group 15 and the first spikeof the second group 16, along the axis of the row 17 containing thegroups, can be between 0.45 mm and 1.5 mm.

Each longitudinal row 17 of spikes 18 is advantageously axially offsetwith respect to the consecutive longitudinal row 19, in such a way thateach group of spikes 15 of the offset row 17 occupies the same axialposition as the space 14 free of spikes between two groups of spikes 15,16 of the consecutive row 19, as can be seen in particular in FIGS. 2,2A and 4.

The spikes 18 in every other longitudinal row advantageously all occupythe same axial position along the longitudinal axis X of the core 10, asillustrated in FIG. 2, for example between the longitudinal rows 17 and20.

As is shown in FIG. 4, the axial offset D_(a) between one longitudinalrow 17 of spikes 18 and the consecutive longitudinal row 19 is greaterthan the length L_(g) of a group of spikes 15 of said consecutive row19.

As is shown in FIG. 4, the transversal distance D_(T) between twoconsecutive groups of spikes 15 occupying the same axial position,having a space 14 free of spikes between them is greater than or equalto the length L_(g) of one of said groups 15 of spikes.

As is shown in particular in FIG. 2, every other longitudinal rowcomprises an isolated spike 18 at the proximal end 11 of the core 10. Asingle crown 22 of spikes 18 is thus advantageously arranged at theproximal end 11 of the core 10. The longitudinal rows comprising thisisolated spike can comprise one spike less than the other rows, forexample thirteen spikes 18 as opposed to fourteen spikes.

As can be seen in FIGS. 4 and 5, the implantation of the spikes 18 maybe such that the angle α about the longitudinal axis X of the core 10between two consecutive crowns 20 and 21 of spikes 18, said crowns eachbeing formed by spikes 18 that occupy one and the same axial position onthe longitudinal axis X of the core 10, is non-zero, being for exampleequal to half the angular pitch β between two consecutive spikes in acrown.

In the example in question, the spikes 18 are advantageously of the sameheight within each group of spikes 15, 16. In a variant not illustrated,the height of the spikes 18 varies within the same group.

Preferably, and as in the example described, the height of the spikes 18within the longitudinal rows decreases in the direction of the distalend 12 of the core 10. In a variant not illustrated, the height of thespikes 18 is constant along the longitudinal axis X of the core 10.

The height h_(p) of the spikes 18 can be between 0.15 mm and 0.45 mm.

The width l_(p) of the spikes 18 can be between 0.1 mm and 1 mm.

The thickness e_(p) of the spikes 18 can be between 0.1 mm and 0.85 mm.

The spikes 18 can have diverse shapes, optionally varying within a group15, 16 and/or from one group to another. In the example in question, andas can be seen in particular in FIG. 2A, all the spikes 18 have asemi-conical shape, each having a first face 18 b that is plane and asecond face 18 c that is rounded. All the plane faces 18 b arepreferably oriented circumferentially in the same direction. However,the invention is not limited to one particular type of spikes.

In the example in question, the free ends 28 of the spikes 18 define anenvelope surface S of the application member 8, having a rectilinearlongitudinal axis that is coincident with the longitudinal axis X of thecore 10, and is rotationally symmetrical about said axis X.

The spikes 18, in the example in question, are made in one piece withthe core 10 by moulding of thermoplastic material.

In order to mould the application member 8, use can be made of anythermoplastic material which is or is not relatively rigid, for exampleSEBS, a silicone, latex, a material having improved slip, butyl, EPDM, anitrile, a thermoplastic elastomer, a polyester elastomer, a polyamideelastomer, a polyethylene elastomer or a vinyl elastomer, a polyolefinsuch as PE or PP, PVC, EVA, PS, SEBS, SIS, PET, POM, PU, SAM, PA orPMMA. It is also possible to use a ceramic, for example based onalumina, a resin, for example of the urea-formaldehyde type, andpossibly a material containing graphite as filler. It is possible inparticular to use the materials known under the trade names Teflon®,Hytrel®, Cariflex®, Alixine®, Santoprene®, Pebax® and Pollobas®, thislist not being limiting.

In order to use the device 1, the user unscrews the closure cap 5 andwithdraws the application member 8 from the container 3.

After the application member 8 has passed through the wiping member 6, acertain amount of product P remains in the spaces 14 free of spikes thatare created between the groups of spikes 15, 16, thereby creatingreservoirs of product P along the entire length of the core 10 and onall sides, such that the eyelashes and/or eyebrows can be suppliedsatisfactorily with product P. In addition, the eyelashes and/oreyebrows are separated satisfactorily, thus avoiding formation ofclumps, by virtue of the axial offset present between the longitudinalrows 17, 19, 20 of spikes 18.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the exemplary embodimentwhich has just been described.

At least one of core 10 and spike 18 may be flocked or undergo any heattreatment or mechanical treatment.

The expression “comprising a” should be understood as being synonymouswith “comprising at least one”, and “between” is understood as includingthe limits, unless specified to the contrary.

1.-18. (canceled)
 19. Applicator for applying a cosmetic, makeup or careproduct to the eyelashes and/or eyebrows, having an application membercomprising: a core that extends along a longitudinal axis, and spikesthat are carried by the core and are arranged in groups of spikes withinlongitudinal rows, in which applicator the groups of spikes arepreferably uniformly spaced along the longitudinal rows and eachcomprise at least two spikes, at least one longitudinal row of spikesbeing axially offset with respect to the consecutive longitudinal row,in such a way that at least one group of spikes of the offset rowoccupies the same axial position as a space free of spikes between twogroups of spikes of the consecutive row.
 20. Applicator according toclaim 19, in which each group of spikes of at least one row occupies thesame axial position as the space free of spikes between two groups ofspikes of the consecutive row, better still each group of spikes of thecore occupies the same axial position as a space free of spikes betweentwo groups of spikes of the consecutive rows.
 21. Applicator accordingto claim 19, in which the spikes of the same rank in every otherlongitudinal row occupy the same axial position along the longitudinalaxis of the core.
 22. Applicator according to claim 19, in which thespacing between the consecutive groups of spikes is constant within atleast one longitudinal row, better still within each longitudinal row.23. Applicator according to claim 19, in which, within a longitudinalrow, the spacing between two consecutive groups of spikes is between 0.3mm and 2.5 mm, better still between 0.45 mm and 1.5 mm.
 24. Applicatoraccording to claim 19, in which the axial offset between onelongitudinal row of spikes and the consecutive longitudinal row isgreater than or equal to the length of a group of spikes of saidconsecutive row.
 25. Applicator according to claim 19, in which thespacing between the spikes of a group is the same for each group, beingin particular between 0.05 mm and 2.5 mm, better still between 0.4 mmand 1.3 mm.
 26. Applicator according to claim 19, in which all thegroups of spikes comprise the same number of spikes.
 27. Applicatoraccording to claim 19, in which, within at least one group, the spikesare of the same height, better still within each group.
 28. Applicatoraccording to claim 19, in which the spikes of at least one group are ofthe same shape, better still all the spikes of a longitudinal row are ofthe same shape, even better still all the spikes of the applicationmember, this shape preferably being semi-conical, with a plane face, allthe plane faces preferably being oriented circumferentially in the samedirection.
 29. Applicator according to claim 19, in which at least onelongitudinal row comprises an isolated spike at the proximal end of thecore, better still every other longitudinal row.
 30. Applicatoraccording to claim 19, in which the longitudinal rows are rectilinear,preferably with between twelve and twenty rows.
 31. Applicator accordingto claim 19, in which the spikes each extend from the core along anelongation axis perpendicular to the surface of the core at the point atwhich the spikes are attached to the core.
 32. Applicator according toclaim 19, in which, within a longitudinal row, the height of the spikesdecreases in the direction of the distal end of the core, in particularalong at least half the length of the application member.
 33. Applicatoraccording to claim 19, in which the number of spikes per longitudinalrow is between 10 and
 48. 34. Applicator according to claim 19, in whichthe core has a circular cross section.
 35. Applicator according to claim19, in which the spikes are moulded together with and in particular fromthe same material as the core.
 36. Device for packaging and applying aproduct to the eyelashes and/or eyebrows, having an applicator accordingto claim 19 and a container containing the product to be applied.